KHANIM SADRZADA
Baku,,Azerbaijan
Summary
17+ years of banking experience, including leadership roles in compliance, AML risk management, internal control and project management. Proven track record of implementing regulatory frameworks, leading compliance initiatives, and delivering strategic, high-impact projects, with strong expertise in risk assessment and governance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Strategic Project Manager
Yelo Bank
2021.05 - 2026.04
- Actively contributed to the development and execution of the bank’s three-year strategic plan
- Lead compliance-related projects (AML, FATCA) in close collaboration with IT and compliance teams
- Manage strategic initiatives driven by regulatory and internal requirements
Head of Compliance Division
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2021.03 - 2021.05
- Led the Compliance Division, overseeing regulatory compliance, internal controls and risk management frameworks
- Conducted risk-based reviews of internal processes, policies, and documentation to identify and mitigate compliance risks
- Ensured alignment with local and international regulatory requirements
Compliance Manager / Compliance Officer
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2017.07 - 2021.03
- Led the successful upgrade of AML/KYC/Embargo (sanctions screening and risk based scenarios) monitoring systems across the bank
- Reviewed and updated internal compliance procedures in line with evolving regulatory requirements, including the Non-Cash Settlements Law
- Conducted risk assessments for new products and services prior to launch
- Reviewed and made decisions on complex, high-risk transactions, including offshore payments and non-resident account openings
- Implemented the bank-wide AML Risk Assessment framework
- Managed relationships with partners, shareholders, and correspondent banks, including AML/KYC inquiries and due diligence processes
Senior AML specialist/ AML Officer
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2015.01 - 2017.06
- Managed the implementation of AML/KYC/Embargo (sanctions screening and risk based scenarios) monitoring systems involving multiple international vendors
- Led the implementation of automated FATCA compliance system
- Automated AML monitoring processes, improving efficiency and reporting accuracy
- Monitored and investigated suspicious transactions using risk-based scenarios
Leading Specialist – Development & Methodology Department
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2013.07 - 2014.12
- Led the implementation of automated AML reporting system integrated with the new core banking system
- Prepared and submitted AML reports to the Financial Monitoring Service
- Monitored and investigated suspicious transactions
- Delivered training sessions to branch staff on AML updates and procedures
Specialist – Development & Methodology Department
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2012.05 - 2013.06
- Prepared regulatory reports for the Central Bank and Financial Monitoring Service
- Managed retail-related compliance cases from branches
- Designed and administered internal testing programs for staff training
Customer Services Specialist
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2008.12 - 2012.05
- Managed account opening for individual and corporate clients
- Conducted initial analysis of loan documentation and processed retail loan registrations
- Processed domestic and international money transfers
Education
Master’s Certificate - Project Management
The George Washington University School of Business
2011.09 - 2012.08
Master’s Degree - English Philology
Azerbaijan University of Languages
2008.09 - 2011.07
Bachelor’s Degree - English Linguistics
Azerbaijan University of Languages
2004.09 - 2008.07
Skills
LFS, T24, GNI, BPM, SironAML, SironKYC, SironEmbargo, World-Check, Factiva
LANGUAGES
Azerbaijani
Native
English
Fluent
Russian
Upper intermediate
Timeline
Strategic Project Manager
Yelo Bank
2021.05 - 2026.04
Head of Compliance Division
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2021.03 - 2021.05
Compliance Manager / Compliance Officer
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2017.07 - 2021.03
Senior AML specialist/ AML Officer
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2015.01 - 2017.06
Leading Specialist – Development & Methodology Department
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2013.07 - 2014.12
Specialist – Development & Methodology Department
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2012.05 - 2013.06
Master’s Certificate - Project Management
The George Washington University School of Business
2011.09 - 2012.08
Customer Services Specialist
AccessBank Azerbaijan
2008.12 - 2012.05
Master’s Degree - English Philology
Azerbaijan University of Languages
2008.09 - 2011.07
Bachelor’s Degree - English Linguistics
Azerbaijan University of Languages
2004.09 - 2008.07